Rob Marshall Explains Fourth "Pirates" Story

Captain "Jack" Sparrow is one of the best movie characters of all time, and actor Johnny Depp clearly plays him to perfection, as evidenced by his Oscar nomination for the first installment in the series.

One successful movie morphed into a billion dollar franchise, and after the third film "Pirates of the Caribbean: At Worlds End", many hoped they would see Captain Jack in action again very soon. That didn't happen exactly, but after a few years, four to be exact, Captain Jack is back.

The first trailer for the film debuted last week, building even more anticipation to director Rob Marshall's 3D extravaganza "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides". The director spoke to Movieweb about the film, elaborating on the story a bit after what was revealed in the trailer.

Said Marshall about the opening of the film: "The first third of the film takes place in London. So we start on dry land and there is an impostor that Jack is looking for. He then escapes from the palace, gets captured by King George and there is a huge carriage chase".

Marshall added a few more details about the film in the interview, explaining that Jack and crew will head out to sea in the second act of the film, and that it's a new ship named "Queen Anne's Revenge". He also elaborated on the overall story of the film, which culminates in "this incredible jungle adventure through caves where they are looking for the Fountain of Youth.”

The trailer of the film was fantastic, with just some good old Jack Sparrow antics and classic "Pirate" action. Penelope Cruz and Depp seem to have great chemistry, which is no surprise to me considering they worked together fantastically in "Blow" years ago.

I wasn't sure how Marshall would handle the action aspects of the film, considering that he has worked on musicals like "Chicago", but from the look of the trailer he seems to have had no trouble at all.

"Pirates" sails into theaters May 20, 2011.

Judi Dench & Johnny Depp Get It On

One of the most anticipated sequels is adding a bit of class to its cast. According to The Daily Mail, Dame Judi Dench is set to make a cameo in "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides," the upcoming fourth film in the franchise.

Director Rob Marshall has almost completed shooting on the film, but before wrapping it, he has been able to convince the actress to pop up in the film's opening sequence.

If you're hoping to stay totally fresh going into the new film once it comes out, avert your eyes--spoilers ahead, mates!

The film apparently opens with Captain Jack on trial for piracy in London's Old Bailey before he escapes in a chase sequence through the city’s streets. Dench is to play a noblewoman in a carriage who is "ravished" by Captain Jack as part of his attempted escape.

Dench and Marshall previously worked together on last year's musical adaptation "Nine," while she joins a cast that includes Geoffrey Rush, Penelope Cruz, Ian McShane, Stephen Graham, Richard Griffiths and Keith Richards.

While the anticipation surrounding this film is great, it seems to have taken a back seat to some other franchises over the past year, such as the superhero films "Thor," "Captain America," "Green Lantern" and "The Avengers."

Either way, I think this film has potential to be great. After taking a break for a few years, I am totally ready to see Depp suit up again as Captain Jack. Anyone who doesn’t think he's one of the most memorable characters of the past decade is crazy in my eyes, and Depp's performance is nothing short of genius in how funny it is.

Marshall has surrounded himself with talent on this one, and bringing in Dench will only add to the prestige and anticipation of this film, which is set to anchor down in theaters on May 20, 2011.

Penelope Cruz Joins "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides"

Penelope Cruz is in negotiations to re-team with her "Blow" co-star Johnny Depp on "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" for Disney Pictures.

Adds Heat Vision: As previously reported, Depp will reprise his role of Captain Jack Sparrow, who sets off in search of the Fountain of Youth. Plot details are slim, but Cruz's character is said to be "Sparrow's foil and equal in many ways."

For Cruz, the role reunites her with Marshall, who directed her in "Nine." Her performance garnered her an Oscar nomination in the best supporting actress category just last week. She won the Oscar for best actress in a supporting role for 2008's "Vicky Cristina Barcelona."

Snagging an actress of Cruz's caliber is great for the franchise. Keira Kightley was perfect in the first three films, but she was hitched up with Orlando Bloom the whole time. It’s Capt. Jack’s turn to finally have a love interest. I’m excited to see how Depp and Cruz play off each other; the two should have chemistry.

Terry Rossio and Ted Elliot wrote the script. Jerry Bruckheimer is producing.

"Pirates" will set sail before cameras in Hawaii this summer. Disney plans for a May 20, 2011, release.

"Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" Films In Hawaii

"Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" is set to shoot on Kauai and Oahu this summer, says Pacific Business News.

According to Pacific News: “The fourth installment of the 'Pirates of the Caribbean' movie franchise will be filmed in Hawaii this summer, state officials said Monday. The film production is expected to generate an estimated $85 million in direct and indirect spending in the state, and is expected to create hundreds of jobs for local residents.”

Said Producer Jerry Bruckheimer: “We’ve always sought out the most extraordinary and exotic locations for the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ films, and previously shot briefly on both Maui and Molokai for ‘Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End.’ Hawaii provides an amazing range of both land and seascapes, and we’re delighted to return for ‘On Stranger Tides.’”

The company’s ABC network is wrapping up production on the final season of its hit TV series “Lost” after nearly six years in Hawaii.

Anyone who watches “Lost” knows that Hawaii is probably the best place to shoot anything, ever. The natural beauty of the landscape is just wonderful, and I think it will help make the new film even better. Honestly, how could anyone making the movie be upset about filming in Hawaii, in the summer anyway?

The Rob Marshall-directed installment of the action adventure film series hits theatres May 20, 2011.